April Lynn Ryan

April Lynn Ryan was born on April 11, 1979 in Omaha, Nebraska to George Roy, Sr. and Melony Sue (Hefti) Friend. She attended school in Bartley and graduated from Bartley High School in 1998.

April married John Jason Ryan on June 2, 2000 in Beaver City, Nebraska. The couple just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. April and Jason made a home in Cambridge where she worked for Bernie Jones Automotive for fourteen years as an auto detailer. With years of experience and countless happy customers, April started her own detailing business, Like New Again Auto Detailing.

April loved trying new things. She was known for being creative, creating a wide variety of crafting treasures. She was also happiest outdoors with the sun on her skin. Just a few of the outdoor activities that she relished were time spent at the lake, day-boating and camping. She also enjoyed hunting for morel mushrooms and if the path to get to the mushrooms meant some off-roading in the Jeep; even better!

Above everything else, April loved her friends and family deeply. Her most treasured title was grandma; she loved spending time with her granddaughter. April also cherished time spent horseback riding with friends and any new adventure or memory was best celebrated with a Jager Bomb!

April Ryan, a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away early Sunday morning, June 8, 2025 at her home just outside of Cambridge after a long and brave battle with cancer. She was 46 years old.

April was preceded in death by her father, George Friend, Sr; brother, George Friend, Jr.; and her grandparents.

Survivors include her husband, Jason Ryan; mother, Melony Friend; children, Skyler and Jade Ryan of Cambridge; granddaughter, Tinley Ryan of Cambridge; siblings: Regina Schrock of Omaha, Nebraska, Crystal (Jon) Welch of Des Moines, Iowa, Andrea Friend of Louisville, Nebraska, Mae Ellis of Holbrook, Nebraska; nieces: Neely Schrock, Breana Welch, Kiera Friend and Rylei Friend; nephews, Zane Schrock and Brenden Welch; great-nieces, Deliah Hartin and Harmony Hartin; great-nephew, Keith Zimdars; as well as many other loved ones including countless friends.

Cremation was chosen and memorial services are scheduled for 1:00 PM on Friday afternoon, June 13, 2025 at Trinity Community Church in Cambridge with Pastor Tim Burke officiating.

Memorials in April’s name are suggested to the Nebraska Cancer Network. Online condolences may be left at Lockenour.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Lockenour-Jones Mortuary of Cambridge.